What to Look For in the Best Binoculars

Just like anything else, when you purchase a pair of binoculars you want to
know that you are purchasing the best possible pair. The huge variety in price
can make he process of selecting and purchasing the best pair of binoculars
confusing, as can each individual pair of binoculars specifications.

Before you go shopping for a pair of binoculars you need to sit down and decide
what you will be using the binoculars for. Will you be hunting, whale watching,
or watching birds, or looking for a pair of military binoculars. Knowing what
you will be using the binoculars for will give you a specific type of
binoculars to look for. If you are planning on using your binoculars for
birdwatching you want to look for a pair that is designed with good image
quality. If you are planning on taking your binoculars on the family boat you
will want a pair that is completely waterproof.

Once you have decided what you will be looking for decide what you can afford
to spend. Set a budget and stick to it.

Try to decide on a size that is convenient. Like cameras and cell phones,
binoculars are getting smaller and smaller. The advantage of compact binoculars
is that they are easy to carry and use. The downside to a pair of compact
binoculars is that it is easier for a unorganized person to lose them. It is
also easier for a thief to walk off with a pair of compact binoculars.
The general rule of thumb is, unless your a private investigator, to avoid
purchasing a pair of binoculars with a magnification greater then 10X's.
Magnification over ten tends to cause the binoculars to loose some of the
image's crispness. The image is also duller when the magnification is greater
then ten. Binoculars that are designed with a roof prism make the best use of
natural lighting.

Binoculars that have lenses that are coated with red, are designed to enhance
the image. Dark coated lenses provide the best image and last longer then
uncoated lenses.

Even if you aren't planning on taking your new binoculars on a boat, spending a
few extra dollars on a pair that has waterproof housing. You may not be planning
on getting them wet, but things happen; you might trip and drop them in a mud
puddle, take them out on a foggy day, or might get caught in a freak rain
shower, and don't forget about small children and their fascination with
dropping electronic equipment in toilets. The waterproof housing will pay for
itself again and again.

Know the marketplace. Spend some time learning if there are any retail stores
that sell binoculars. Scan the Internet, there are hundreds of binocular
dealers on-line, these dealers typically offer the lowest prices. Another perk
to on-line binocular dealers is that you are typically corresponding via
e-mail, this makes the dealer seem less pushy then one you may encounter in a
retail store that is working for a commission. The best plan is to get to know
an on-line binocular dealer. Start asking questions, start researching
binoculars, keep a list of pros and cons of different binoculars that are in
your price range. After you have selected a few pairs that sound promising,
drive to a binocular dealer and try out each of the pairs you have selected.
Test their range of vision, and the clarity of the lenses. Make sure the
binoculars are comfortable and you understand how they function. If you wear
glasses, make sure they are on when you are trying out binoculars.

After trying out binoculars find out where you'll get the best price, the
retail store or the on-line dealer.

What Would You Use Binoculars For?

How many different uses can one find for a pair of binoculars? Well, the
military finds them useful for top secret missions, during war, during
training. The government and our police departments find them helpful to
protect against crime and aid in the security of our nation. Many nature
stories have been written because of the helpful aid of a pair of binoculars!
Children use them to play spy games and learn about animals and birds.
Oceanographers use them during their studies.
Marine biologists include them in their gear.

Binoculars are meant to extend your vision capabilities, not to replace glasses
or contacts, but to enhance. They're an extra set of eyes for distance viewing.
More money spent does not necessarily mean you will get the best choice
available.

You'll need to explore the options in price and in product. More features do
not mean the best buy either as some features tend to take the concentration of
quality for the parts that need it most.

It is almost impossible for another person to buy you the perfect pair,
although not completely out of reach. Each person is different, therefore fit
and focus will be different for each person. No two birdwatchers are likely to
have the exact same binoculars set in the exact way. All binoculars have the
basic components of magnifying glasses and prisms.

If you're likely to be using your binoculars for extended periods of time, the
quality is even more important. The bigger an object appears, the harder it is
to hold a steady focus. That's one reason tripods are useful. The tripod is
certainly important to the photographer for reasons other than to just hold a
camera. If you want to buy the combo of digital camera/binocular made as one
unit, you'll want to make sure the camera focuses with the binoculars for the
best results. How large the object will be magnified is important, but it's
useless if you can't get a steady, clear image.

People with eyeglasses will need an eye relief of at least 15 mm. The eye
relief is the distance between your eye and the binoculars due to your glasses
frame and lenses putting a barrier between you and the equipment.

Multi-coated lenses reduce the light lost in the binoculars, which gives you a
better image. Porro prisms are better with BAK4 than with BK7, although Porro
and Roof both work well. The larger number for the exit pupil, the better your
resolution will be. And last, but not least the diopter is your focus setting
to adjust for the difference in vision from one eye to another. Most people
will have a different vision in one eye than the other.

Whatever your choice of binoculars, there are certainly plenty of choices on
the market! There are manufacturers and dealers all over the world upgrading
their products due to technological advances in an ongoing attempt to be the
best and sell the most. Binoculars are used for fun, but they are also used for
very important reasons, so they must satisfy a wide consumer audience.

What to Look for in a Good Pair of Wholesale Binoculars

A good pair of binoculars can be expensive. One way to save money is by
purchasing them wholesale. One of the best places to look for a pair of
wholesale binoculars is on the Internet. On-line binocular dealers are more
then happy to help you with your binocular selection. They are happy to answer
any questions you might have from lens quality, to stabilization, to the
housing. On the average on-line binocular dealers are considerably cheaper then
the retail stores. In addition to their prices, which are already lower, they
are sometimes willing to haggle, especially if you are also planning on
purchasing some accessories to go with your new pair of binoculars.

It is possible to get a nice pair of binoculars for a couple of hundred
dollars, it is equally possible to fall in love with a pair of binoculars that
cost a couple of thousand dollars. Know your budget and stick to it. If you are
only going to spend a couple of hundred dollars don't even bother to look at the
higher priced binoculars. The lower priced binoculars are generally cheaper
because they have a lower field of vision and are made with cheaper lenses.
Some of the high end binoculars, like the ones manufactured by Zeiss, are so
well constructed that they come with a lifetime guarantee. The higher end
models also tend to use technology that improves stabilization and increases
view quality.

Pay attention to the binoculars numbers that are printed on the side of the
binoculars. The first number is the amount of zoom the binocular has. The
second number indicates the size of the lens. So a pair of binoculars that has
the number 7X30 stamped onto the casing is a binocular that will magnify and
object seven times its actual size, and has a lens size of 30mm. The lens size
does not indicate lens quality, however the larger the lens size the brighter
the view and the larger the field of vision.

Binoculars now come with all sorts of gadgets and gizmo's. Maritime binoculars
are now being crafted with state-of-the-art compasses, and lightweight water
proof casing. Binoculars that have built in digital cameras are becoming
increasingly popular. Hunting binoculars are now being designed with range
finders. Birdwatchers are thrilled with the increasing stabilization features
they are finding featured in the latest birdwatching binoculars.

Purchasing a pair of binoculars that have been designed with coated lenses will
help extend the life of your binoculars. Coated lens will improve the binoculars
contrast and image quality.

Make sure you ask the on-line store representative (another bonus to shopping
on-line for a pair of wholesale binoculars is that allot of the times the
person you are dealing with is the owner) if they have a trial period. A trial
period is a specified length of time that you have to try out the binoculars.
If, for whatever reason, you don't like the binoculars the store will let you
return them, and refund your money. Also find out if the store offers any type
of warranty.

Cleaning and Protecting Your Binoculars

With prices ranging over a thousand dollars, purchasing a pair of binoculars
can be a major family expense. The good news is that despite the initial strain
on the families budget a good pair of binoculars, with the right kind of care,
should be a one time expense.

The first step in ensuring that your binoculars have a long future is making
sure that they are properly cleaned after each use.

Before putting your binoculars are cleaned make sure that you cleaned before
you put them away.

Make sure that you use a dry towel and wipe all of the binoculars exposed metal
pieces. Returning your binoculars to their binocular case without properly
drying the metal pieces will encourage the pieces to rust.

Carefully examine the internal optics, make sure that they are completely dust
free. You can check the internal optics by holding them up towards to the
light, then look through the objective lenses. If the internal optics of your
binoculars have gotten dirty you are going to have to take the binoculars to a
lens cleaning specialist to have the internal optics cleaned.

Use a small brush with soft camel hair bristles or lens cleaning cloths to
clean your binoculars external lenses. Oil from your skin can leave smudges on
the lenses surfaces so be careful not to touch the lens. Use a circular motion
to wipe the lenses.

Do not ever try to dismantle your binoculars!

The fastest way to end your binoculars life is to drop them. A majority of
binoculars get dropped when people are outside using them. The best way to
avoid dropping your binoculars while they are in use is to attach the neck
strap and keep it around your neck whenever the binoculars are out of their
case. Never a use the strap to swing your binoculars to and fro. Try to avid
walking into a tree while using your binoculars. If you have your binoculars
around your neck, tuck them inside your shirt or jacket if you are going to
cross a ditch or climb a steep hill.

When you get back to your car don't set your binoculars on the seat. Countless
numbers of binoculars have met a fatal end when they were set on a car seat
without being returned to their binocular case and their owners were forced to
abruptly hit the breaks. As the motion of the car stopped, the binoculars where
thrown against the dashboard. Even if you have returned them to their case,
don't leave your binoculars sitting on your car seat, it is to easy for
unsuspecting passengers so sit on them, keep them in your glove box.

On hot days take your binoculars out of the car. Intense heat can irrevocably
damage your expensive binoculars.

Even if you have a pair of binoculars that are waterproof, try to avoid using
them while it is raining. Raingaurds are useful during light rains but during
heavy rains water can seep in through your binoculars housing, damaging the
mechanisms.

If you accidentally drop your binoculars into some fresh water, get them to a
professional cleaner as soon as possible, before they have a chance to rust. If
you accidentally drop your binoculars in salt water, douse them with fresh
water, place them in a plastic bag, seal the bag, and rush them to a
professional cleaner. It doesn't take very long for salt water to irrevocably
damage a pair of good binoculars.

Always store your binoculars in a protective binocular case. Keep them up high,
out of the reach of small children and pets.

Digital Binoculars- Taking Videos

Have you ever been looking at something through your binoculars, something
really exciting like a breaching whale, a pair of nesting Bald Eagles, or a
really cool downhill skier, and wished you had someway to capture the moment on
video. With a pair of digital binoculars you can.

Digital binoculars are a normal pair of binoculars that have been equipped with
a point and shoot digital camera (normally a simple digital camera). With a pair
of digital binoculars it is possible to take a picture of whatever you are
looking at through your binoculars.

As anyone who is familiar with digital cameras already knows, one of the
features is the ability to take video clips. Then, with the aid of a computer
and some software, it is possible to burn the video clips to a DVD.

After you have purchased a pair of digital binoculars you will have to purchase
some sort of memory device to store photographic images and digital video. Most
digital binoculars come with an internal memory where pictures can be stored,
but the allotted memory is generally minimal and only a few images or a few
seconds of video can be stored. The type of external memory device you will
need is determined by the pair of digital binoculars you purchase. It is very
rare for an external memory device to be included with the purchase of a pair
of digital binoculars.

Make sure the storage device you are about to purchase is compatible to your
digital binoculars before you purchase it. Buying the right type right away
will save you time and headaches. Digital binoculars typically use one of the
following types of memory storage; Compact Flash, memory sticks, XDPicture
cards, secure digital (SD), or micro-drive. You can save money by purchasing a
pair of digital binoculars that uses the same kind of memory device as your
personal digital camera or digital DVD camcorder.

When you are getting ready to purchase a storage device consider the cost to
amount of available storage ratio. The more gigabytes the card has the more
images and minutes of video can be stored. On the other hand the more gigabytes
the more the storage device is going to cost. Do some comparison shopping, is it
cheaper to buy two one gigabyte cards or will you save money by purchasing one
two gigabyte card. Take some time and really scan the pull out section of your
Sunday paper, electronic stores will often offer exceptional prices on their
digital storage devices (especially ones with lesser gigabytes) in an attempt
to draw people into their stores. If you find a really good deal on digital
memory devices that fit your digital binoculars, take advantage and buy several.
Before you purchase an storage device know how fast the card you are purchasing
is. The rule of thumb is that the faster the card the better the card. The
faster storage speed also means the card is going to cost a little more, but
the quality of the card will offset the price.

Do you homework. There is typically very little difference in the cards that
are made by different manufactures. Where you will find a difference is in the
warranty.Know how long the warranty is good for and make sure you know what is
covered.

When you are planning on using your digital binoculars always carry a spare
storage device. You would hate to see a really good shot of something and not
be able to capture it because you had already used up all your storage.
Be prepared for your digital binoculars to go through allot of batteries. Most
people quickly decide to purchase quality battery chargers and several
rechargeable batteries. They'll quickly pay for themselves.

Don't purchase a pair of digital binoculars and expect them to take the place
of your personal camera and your mini-DVD camcorder. The market is for digital
binoculars is relatively new. The quality of the photos and videos they take is
not quite as good as the ones you will get from the regular digital cameras and
camcorders. The photo and video quality will improve as the market grows more
competitive and more companies become involved.

Have You Tried Nikon Binoculars?

Nikon is a company that reaches out to the public with their school of birding,
their logo apparel and mugs, their adventure searches. They can hook you up with
plenty of fun places to put your Nikon binoculars to use while wearing their
shirts and drinking from their mugs. You can make new friends on the excursions
they offer. They offer a wilderness database to help you choose between ranches,
an Eco Tour, Camping/hiking, Paddling, Fishing, and Hunting. All are exceptional
trips for getting your new experiences with your Nikon binoculars.

Your binoculars can help you make memories to share with your friends,
neighbors, co-workers, and children. Fill your scrapbooks with memories that
will build new bonds. Share your photo opportunities you'll gain from using
your binoculars in the Nikon photo contests.

Nikon has an impressive long list of binoculars. One of their best lower priced
binocular costs $69 and is the 8x40 Action Ultra Wide View. They're recommended
for hunting, sporting events, bird watching, and astronomy. Weighing less than
2 lbs, they're more on the lighter side of binoculars. They aren't waterproof,
but they do receive high reviews from consumers. You can buy accessories for
them: cleaning kits, tripod adapters, tripods, field harnesses and polarizing
filters, eye cups, and pillar stands. They are user-friendly for eyeglass
wearers.

One area of use that is seldom touched on regarding binoculars is that of
education. These handy products can help a parent put his or her children in
touch with nature. The children can learn about binoculars themselves and their
many uses. They can learn about what they see when they use them and the
difference in the view, different professions that use binoculars, the
companies that make them and how widespread they are, and the market in which
they are sold. They could, in turn, go on to teach their friends the benefits
of binoculars and the world beyond their normal everyday eyesight! Teach your
child about math and the economy and products by comparing the binoculars on
the market. Teach them how people will see the benefits in different ways, how
one thing will bother one person that will not bother another.

Nikon will even help you learn how to properly adjust and focus binoculars to
get the most out of their product! It offers an outstanding web site which
includes the wonderful detailed pictures to teach all the fine points about
binoculars. They also offer sight-seeing binoculars for tourism purposes. The
Nikon Company proves their intelligence with this website, which helps to
reinforce their reliability in the market. There is even a USA website for
their products.

With sports being such a popular way to use binoculars, you are sure to find a
Nikon pair that suits your preferences. Anyone who has been to a big game and
gotten seats that are far away knows how hard viewing can be without
assistance. No one wants to pay big money for their tickets, fuel to get there,
food and drink during the game, and hassle with the crowd just to miss the best
parts of the game because they can't see what's happening. Nikon will help make
your trip and your efforts to what could very well be a once-in-a-lifetime
opportunity, worthwhile.

Collecting and Identifying Antique Binoculars

The world is full of people who collect things. There are people who collect
normal items, stamps, toy trains, dolls, and fancy spoons. There are people who
collect antique binoculars. Many collectors of antique binoculars get started
because they have a pair of binoculars that have been handed down from one
generation to the next.
There are several places to look for antique binoculars. EBay often has several
up for auction. They have been found at estate sales. Antique stores will often
have a few pairs. People have been known to find them at flea markets and yard
sales. Some optic shops will sometimes have few pairs of good quality antique
binoculars.

Most collectors have two types of classifications for binoculars. Most
collectors remain loyal to the type of binocular they decide to collect.
Some collectors have cabinets that are full of a type of binocular called field
glasses. Field glasses are plain binoculars that were generally used for outdoor
purposes. The term field glass fell out of fashion in the middle of the
nineteenth century when the word binocular became popular.

The second type of binoculars that fill up binocular collector's display
cabinets are opera glasses. Opera glasses are small, well suited for indoor
events like the theater and concerts. They were often used as a way to display
wealth. The upper class had opera glasses that were constructed out of gold and
silver, lots of time they were encrusted with jewels.

When you are considering purchasing a pair of pair take your time and really
examine the lenses. Make sure that they are clear, without any trace of
cloudiness. It is very difficult and usually very expensive to replace cloudy,
chipped, or cracked binocular lenses. The same goes for a pair of prismatic
binoculars, make sure the Bakerlite eyepiece isn't chipped.

Antique binoculars are often covered with leather. Make sure that the leather
looks like it is in good condition. Bypass binoculars that have a leather
casing that is cracked, torn, or full of dry rot. Like the lenses, the leather
covering is very difficult and expensive to replace. Talk to a local saddlery
about cleaning the leather covering.

Study any bumps and dings and dents that the pair of antique binoculars might
have sustained during the coarse of its life. Decide if they are significant
enough to lower the price of the binoculars.

Make sure all the pieces and parts are still attached to the antique
binoculars. If possible, try to determine if all the parts are original.
Determine whether the binoculars are still working.

Look for official markings on the binoculars. Any marks that have been printed
on the the binoculars will make identifying the antique binoculars
significantly easier.

There are several wonderful books available for anyone interested in collecting
and identifying antique binoculars. The Antique Telescope Society has a
membership of over two hundred collectors and is an invaluable resource for
anyone interested in antique binoculars.

Zeiss Binoculars

In 1846, three men, Ernst Abbe, Otto Schott, Carl Zeiss, collaborated to create
a company that manufactured optical systems, industrial measurements, and
medical devices. The company was based out of Jena Germany. The company was
called the Zeiss company, named after Carl Zeiss, who was the optricion of the
group. Ramifications of World War II, forced the Zeiss company to split into
two separate companies. One of the companies is located in Oberkochen Germany
and is called Zeiss AG. The second company remains located in Jena Germany and
is called the Zeiss GmbH.

Before the Zeiss company was forced to split, it was the world's largest camera
producer. Camera production is still what the company is best known for. One of
the camera produced by the Zeiss Company was the Kine Exakta, a SLR camera. At
the time the Kine Exakta was the smallest camera in the world.

Currently the Zeiss company is the international leader in the fields of
optical and opto-electronic technology. Today, over a hundred and fifty years
after its creation, the Zeiss Company is still internationally renowned for
their cameras. On May 2, 2007 the Zeiss company received two Outdoor Life
Editor's Choice Awards. One of these awards was for the Camera-Eyepiece DC4.
This product combines an excellent digital camera system with the Zeiss
Company's Diascope Spotting Scopes. The combination of these elements makes the
Camera-Eyepiece DC4 a digital scoping masterpiece.

The second 2007 Outdoor Life Editor Choice award was rewarded in recognition of 
the Zeiss Company's 10X56 Victory FL binoculars. The 10X56 Victory FL binocular
represents the very first time the Zeiss Company has used their Fluorite glass
in a pair of binoculars.

Although The Zeiss Company is pleased to report that they sell binoculars for
every need, Zeiss binoculars have enjoyed a special relationship with
birdwatchers, hunters, hikers, mountain climbers, and other outdoor enthusiast.
Many Zeiss binoculars include features such as; compensated optics for eyeglass
wearers, advanced optical systems, rubber armor, phase coating, dual reticules,
Zeiss anti-reflective coating, center focus, full size roof prisms, extra low
dispersion glass, and individual focus. Lines of Zeiss binoculars include; the
Diafun Series, the Victory Compact Series, Conquest Binoculars, and the Victory
FL Series.

The Zeiss Conquest Binoculars are especially popular amongst bird lovers. They
are in a the middle of the price range with prices for a new pair running
anywhere from $450.00 to $800.00.

The Victory Series features binoculars that are 100% waterproof, designed with
anti-reflective coating on the lenses, use Zeiss Fluorite glass, high impact
armored housing, nitrogen filling that prevents fogging, and an adaptive
lockable eye cup. The Zeiss Victory Compact series is dust resistant, these
small hardy binoculars can be used for both rough and tumble outdoor activities
and then be brought inside for trips to the theater and symphony.

Consumers who are considering purchasing a pair of Zeiss binoculars should
think of them as an investment. The binoculars aren't cheap, but they have a
strong reputation and cutting edge technology. They are available for purchase
at most binocular and sport stores.   The Zeiss Company is so confident about
the quality of their binoculars that they offer a lifetime transferable
warranty.

Zeiss Binoculars 10-30 BT

Since its inception in the middle of the 1840's, the Zeiss company has been
known for the quality of the their optical lenses. For over one hundred years
they have been producing some of the most highly regarded binoculars in the
world.

Ziess products are noted for their, state-if-the-art technology, ruggedness,
and use of corrosion resistant materiel's. Each and every pair of binoculars
the Zeiss company sells is dust proof, water resistant, and is suppose to be
able to work in both high and low temperatures. Each pair of binoculars is also
comes with a anti-reflective coating that the Zeiss company developed.

One of the binoculars that the Ziess company produces is the Zeiss binocular
10X30 BT. The 10X30 BT binocular is a part of the Zeiss company's compact.
Specifications of the Zeiss Conquest 10X30 BT are; an exit pupil of 3, and an
eye relief of 4.5mm. The Zeiss Conquest 10X30 BT weighs two pounds. Its PID is
20125. This pair of binoculars is 4.53" wide. When the eye cup is fully
extended the Conquest 10X30BT is 5.6" tall

In addition to the great technology that is featured in every single pair of
binoculars that the Zeiss company produces, the Conquest 10X30 also features a
state of the art outer encasing. Eyeglass wearers are able to use the Zeiss
Conquest 10X30 BT in comfort, thanks to its folding eye cups and high eye point
eyepieces. The Zeiss Conquest 10X30 BT won't fog up during use thanks to the
nitrogen filling. The casing of every pair of binoculars in the Conquest series
is made out of temperature resistant armour that wont slip while the user is
holding them. The eye cups are lockable.

The Zeiss Company includes a comfortable Neoprene strap, a Cordura pouch with a
belt loop, and a protective eyepiece cap with each purchase of the Conquest
10X30 BT.

Other binoculars in Ziess's Conquest series include the 8X30 BT, the12X45 BT,
and the15X45 BT. The 8X40 and the 10X40 are large binoculars while the 8X30 and
the 10 X30 are midsized. Zeiss Conquest binoculars have been praised for their
outstanding performance during twilight.

The Zeiss Conquest Binocular Series is very popular among bird watchers. The
Zeiss Conquest binoculars are in the middle of the pricing scale. A pair on
Conquest binoculars can be purchased for as little as $470.00 or as high as
$800.00. If you would like a pair of Zeiss Conquest binoculars but feel the
price is to steep watch on-line dealers and Internet auctions. There are often
good, used, binoculars to be found fr sale on EBay. If you choose to purchase a
pair of Zeiss Conquest binoculars from an EBay store, try to get the dealer to
guarantee the condition of the binoculars. Make sure you know how much it is
going to cost to have the binoculars shipped. The average shipping price for a
pair of Zeiss Binoculars is approximately $17.00.

Ziess is confident about the quality of their binoculars that they provide each
set with a lifetime, transferable warranty.

Why Would You Choose A Swarovski Binocular?

Swarovski Optics is an Austrian company that's been in business for 50 years.
They've won several awards for their binoculars, as have a few other popular
companies in the same field of work. They also offer bags, cleaning kits,
straps, tripod adapters, 2x doublers, suspenders, lens cleaners, lens cloths,
and lens towelettes.

One of the most expensive pairs of binoculars Swarovski offers is the 10x42 El
Binoculars, which cost $1900. With a high customer rating, these give people
their money's worth. They're comfortable to the hands, lightweight at 1.7 lbs,
waterproof, and have a lifetime warranty.

The El series are recommended for marine use, hunting, sporting events, and
bird watching. They're able to focus at 8 feet. The only drawback in this
particular pair seems to be that they aren't compact. They're shipped with a
zipper case, neck strap, lens caps, cleaning cloth, lapel pin, warranty
registration form.

Swarovski offers a unique eyepiece doubler for the El Models, which creates a
spotting scope. It costs $378 and brings details closer, allowing
identification that goes beyond the reach of your binoculars. Avid bird
watchers are especially fond of this idea. The bird watchers dominate the
purchasing field of roof-prism binoculars along with hunters.

Stabilized binoculars, zoom binoculars, and those claiming to be focus-free are
the least reliable of any brand as far as quality.

You've probably heard of opera glasses. These are really just low-power
binoculars that allow people seated far from the stage to still obtain an
acceptable view.

Digiscoping is taking photos through your scope with a camera, and it got
Swarovski an award. The digiscope is a newer version of binoculars outstanding
results as of yet under any other brand name. It just shows how Swarovski
excels in quality with their optical equipment.

Founder Wilhelm Swarovski had a passion for nature and astronomy. His company
is involved in many nature conservation projects. His Pentax Papilio Butterfly
Binoculars is geared towards children (with adult supervision: at a price of
$129---most Americans would opt to supervise their use) because of their unique
focus distance of 1.6 feet. They weigh a mere 10.2 oz, have a worry-free
lifetime warranty (only available through authorized USA dealers). Of course,
many parents spend more on toys or gaming equipment that has no educational
advantages.

Special application binoculars include those that offer Giant Zoom,
waterproofing, image stabilization, and astronomy binoculars (the stars are a
lot further away than most of us realize because we simply take them for
granted and don't really give them much thought).

While you may be shocked at the hefty price tag on most binoculars, you must
realize also that much time, money, effort, and research is spent to perfect
these products. Technological advancement does not come cheap. Swarovski did
not get where they are without their own trials and errors. The making of good
binoculars requires good staff, good equipment to produce the binoculars,
customers willing to give your product a try, dealers willing to advertise and
sell the products, and money.

Why Buy Bushnell Binoculars?

Bushnell is a well-known name in the area of binoculars. Because many good
quality binoculars are hard to find once you dip below the $500 mark, this
company has actually gotten good reviews on theirs. If you want one of the best
quality instruments for the lower cost, consider this brand. It's easy to find a
pair of Bushnells because they're widely available. Hunters should know the
Bushnell brand as well as any one consumer group.

Their Power View 10x50 Wide Angle Binocular does have a tendency to fog over
and has a strong magnification when close to the subject. But for the most
part, they are a great bargain. These are recommended for the casual user,
birders, and astronomy buffs.

The Bushnell Power View 12x25 is a compact roof prism instrument and is one of
the cheapest priced binoculars you'll find for the quality/money ratio. At $20, 
it sounds too good to be true, but they've gotten great overall ratings. They 
can be carried in a purse or pocket. These are recommended for vacations, 
concerts, and football games, etc. Teach your kids responsibility with this 
budget-friendly pair and help them learn more about nature as well without 
breaking your bank account!

Bushnell also makes telescopes, rifle scopes, speed guns, digital cameras,
laser rangefinders, and sporting scopes. They operate in North America, Latin
America, Asia, Australia, and Africa.

Bushnell offers a list of 20 different types of binoculars with a host of
styles and features in each category. A recent list of their items on the
market and the count in each category:

1. Birding series-6 
2. Trophy line-12 
3. Waterproof line-11 
4. Tactical line-2
5. Image Stabilizing-1 
6. Excursion line-8 
7. Legend line-7 
8. Discoverer line-2 
9. Infinity line-2 
10. Elite E2 line-2 
11. Elite line-4

One of their impressive features is the bright light protection circuit
included in the features for their Night Vision 3.1x50mm Gen. 1 binocular. To
the inexperienced user, it isn't known that bright light can harm your night
vision products.
Wildlife management officers, security personnel, and rescue squads would find
this feature especially helpful to protect their equipment!

Of the higher priced Bushnell binoculars, the Elite 10x50 sells for $1200 and
are said to be the brightest in their class. The Legend 19-3209 sells for
around $300. As you can see, the company offers a varied price range for
consumer flexibility. They're sold at various sporting goods stores across the
United States.

Another well-received binocular in the $300 range is the Bushnell Legend 8x32
camouflage binocular. If you have been known to get soaked when you go fishing,
boating, etc., ruining the contents of your pockets is no fun. This pair has a
waterproof housing, which holds up even when submerged.

So, whether you just want to try a binocular out for the first time or are
considered a professional of some kind who needs his first great pair of
binoculars and finally has the money to spend, Bushnell should be able to
accommodate your shopping satisfaction.

Have You Heard Of Steiner Binoculars?

Binoculars used to weigh as heavy as 6 pounds and were huge compared to all the
styles offered today. Just the government issued binoculars were enough to make
our servicemen groan. After you carry around a little 6 pound baby just half a
day without a stroller or baby carrier to give you relief, you'll understand
how something as seemingly lightweight as 6 pounds can wear on your muscles.
Added to the other gear an outdoors activity adds to a person's burden, this is
an unwelcome strain.

Most Steiner binoculars are used for outside activities of some type. Military,
police officials, hunters, birders, mariners, fishermen, and more get their
enjoyment from this brand. A good, quality set of binoculars can enhance the
outdoors excursions of many different fields of work and enjoyment.

For birdwatchers, it is recommended to beware of those little extras that are
offered with a pair of binoculars and focus on what is most important to avoid
paying for things that won't be of specific use in your area. Zoom, image
stabilization, and fixed focus may add to the cost while taking away from what
you could truly benefit from. Color and style won't matter if it reduces the
qualities that will be of the most use for your experiences.

The Steiner Company has been operating since 1947 and has grown from a one-man
operation to a staff of at least 300. They have representatives all over the
country. Some of their newest products include:

1. Peregrine XP 
2. 10x40 Predator Pro 
3. Commander XP 7x50 C 
4. 12x30 Wildlife Pro 
5. Nighthunter XP with NANO protection

The Peregrine XP is offered as an 8x44 or a 10x44, has water-repellant coating
on the objective and ocular lenses, and provide a high depth of field.

Steiner has benefited police departments with their 7x50 and 10x50 police
binoculars, making our public and our officers more secure. If the police have
reliable tools to perform their jobs, we all benefit. Steiner provides them
with binoculars that are waterproof, shockproof, fog proof, lightweight for
long hourly use, have long range vision, and operate with little or no
lighting. They are, of course, available for public use should you desire to
pay around $400 for this type quality.

Many versions of binoculars can be used in more than one area. Keep this in
mind when you shop around and remember that a quality pair, no matter whether
the price is low or high, can provide you with years of good service.

It helps to scour the customer service reviews to help you determine if the
negative points of any one pair will outweigh the positives required for your
particular use. What one person sees as a negative problem may not bother you
in the least.

Steiner has a wide price range for different budget levels. They are available
used if you prefer to try your luck at online auctions, which can sometimes
still provide reviews. Pawn shops, an ad in the newspaper, or other binocular
users are sources for finding used binoculars. Just remember that the warranty
will be less if any at all for a used pair, and parts on used items sometimes
have become obsolete.

Have You Read the Binocular Reviews?

Digital camera binoculars seem to get low reviews. Most are said to be no
better than taping a camera onto your set of binoculars. You have to lose out
on the quality of either the camera or the binocular because it's hard to find
a pair that works together to provide the best quality for your money. What
good is a wonderful enlargement with a fuzzy picture? Most digital cameras
can't even come close to the magnification capabilities of binoculars. Zoom is
limited, field of vision is different. The one combination that seems to come
the closest to the best quality is the Bushnell 8x32 Instant Replay 18-0833. It
can be found at an average price of $371.

The night vision binoculars that receive an extremely high rating (and, of
course, an extremely high price tag) are the Night Shadow 4th Generation Night
Vision Binocular. Yes, of course they offer payment options. You'd think at a
price of $6000, the manufacturer would offer a more private way to ship them.
The contents are apparent on the packaging. Let's hope your mail carrier knows
how to keep mum. If you're hoping to purchase this as a gift for your
much-adored husband, you'd better beat him to the mailbox on delivery day. This
equipment is said to be the biggest in image intensification over the past 10
years. It's kinda creepy, though, not knowing who might be leading a secret
agent wanna-be life in your neck of the neighborhood! No license needed to
purchase makes them readily to whatever public can afford the hefty price tag.

If it's marine binoculars you're shopping for, there are several top brands to
choose from. Two that stand out are: Steiner 7x50 Marine binoculars and
Bushnell 7x50 Marine Binoculars. The Steiner pair has a great auto-focus and a
rain and spray guard for the lenses. They cost around $283, and they're
shockproof. The Bushnell pair seems to have a negative review on their compass
feature, but they offer a range finder in the left eye, which is appealing to
anyone who has a right-eye vision challenge. The average cost of these is
around $108, and they're fog proof.

If you're a serious birdwatcher, good dependable binoculars are a necessity.
Nikon is a name that stands out in this field. The Nikon 8x42 Monarch ATB, the
Nikon 10x50 Action EX, and the Nikon Premier 10x42 all receive good ratings.
These cost around $300, give or take a few bucks.

Hunters like the Leupold Golden Ring 10x42 binoculars. If you're able to fit
their $1000 price range, they offer an irresistible lifetime guarantee, which
you'd most likely prefer with this much of an investment. They do work for
people who must hunt using eyeglasses. For someone who is on a hunting
equipment budget, the spouse would be most likely be more happy with
the lower cost of $50 for the Olympus RC 8x21 outback binoculars. Although they
don't have waterproofing and their small size might make them a challenge for
someone who has big hands.

Reviews are great, but remember that the only true test of a binocular is the
actual use in the outdoors. Use the reviews as a guidance tool to narrow your
choices.

Fujinon Binoculars-Created for the Open Waters

The name Fuji has always been synonymous with film. Lately one of Fuji's
sub-companies has been making a breakthrough in another field... binoculars,
particularly marine binoculars.

Characteristics of Fujinon binoculars are clarity, color rendition, sharpness,
and image definition. Fujinon has also gone out of their way to make sure that
the eyepieces they use in their binoculars are comfortable. Many of their
binoculars are now being offered with compasses. Fujinon binoculars can be a
found aboard commercial fishing vessels, personal yachts, and military ships.

One line of Fujinon binoculars that is enjoying popularity among marine
enthusiast is the Fujinon "SX" series. The "SX" series of binoculars is
designed with lenses that have been coated with Electron Beam Coating (EBC),
this coating improves the lens clarity as much as fifteen percent more then
other brands of binoculars. The Electron Beam Coating makes the Fujinon lenses
extremely useful at twilight, dawn, late fall and into the winter. The "SX"
lenses have an overall brightness factor of 95%. Night vision scopes are the
only lenses that provide better imagery during low light. By using a flat image
plane, the Fujinon "SX" binoculars produce sharper, truer to life images, with a
minimal amount of distortions and astigmatism. Fujinon constructed the "SX"
binoculars with the military in mind. By following exacting military
specifications the "SX" housing is water and fog proof, durable, and
lightweight. While it was still at the factory, Fujinon outfitted the
binoculars with Nitrogen filled housing that is made out of slip-resistant,
lightweight aluminum alloys.

Fujinon has started to equip many of their "SX" binoculars with Silva
compasses. Silva compasses are made in Scotland. They produced their first
compass in the 1928 and in the following year they have become renowned for
their durability and precision. The SIlva Company also manufactures binoculars,
headlights, and wind meters. When they equipped their binoculars with the Silva
compass, Fujinon was thinking about the nighttime sailor and illuminated the
compass with a beta light. It is possible to purchase a pair of Fujinon
binoculars with or without the compass. If you choose a pair of binoculars that
have and attached compass, keep it away from batteries and magnets.

An example of the the Fujinon "SX" series is the Fujinon Pro 45 sx 7X50. This
binocular in blessed with features such as; seven times the magnification,
eye-relief is 23mm, the field of vision is 131 meters, the lens diameter is
50mm, the exit pupil brightness is 7.1mm, the relative brightness is 50.4, and
the inter-pupillary distance is 56~74mm. The Fujinon Pro 45 sx is 200 mm long
and 218mm wide. It weighs 1.62 kg. Accouterments that come with the Fujinon Pro
45 SX 7X50 are; a binocular case, a neck strap, and compass illumination.
Additional items consumers might want to purchase for their Fujinon Pro 45 SX
7X50 are; a tripod, a tripod adapter, and a floating neck strap.

In addition to maritime enthusiast, Fujinon binoculars have also been purchased
by astronomers, birdwatchers, and law enforcement.

Sony-From Transistor Radios to Mini-DVD Camcorders and Binoculars

Anyone who has ever bought a DVD player, a camcorder, a camera, a pair of
binoculars, or a mini-DVD recorder is familiar with the name Sony, even if they
don't own any electronic merchandise that was made by the corporation.
On May 7, 1946 the Sony Corporation was created by two friends, Akio Morita and
Masaru Ibuka. At the time of its inception the Morita and Ibuka called the
company Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo K.K. which when translated to English is Tokyo
Telecommunications Engineering Corporation. The company name changed to Sony in
1958. The name change happened because there was some confusion between the
Tokyo based electronics company and the Tokyo Kyuka (commonly referred to as
the TKK) which was a Tokyo railroad.

The Sony Corporation started gaining recognition when it designed and built the
Type-G tape recorder, the Type G was Japan's very first tape recorder. The next
successful move the Sony Corporation made was when the convinced the Bell Labs
(based in the United States) to license the transistor technology they had
invented to his com pony. Although Sony can not claim credit for building the
first transistor radios, that credit belongs to Texas Instruments and Regency,
it was the first company to sell them to market them to the general public. The
TR-55 was the first transistor radio that was so small it fit in someones coat
pocket. Sony produced the TR-55 in August 1955, by 1956 they had manufactured
approximately 40,000 copies of the TR-55's cousin the TR-72, which they sold to
citizens in the Netherlands, Germany and the United States.

Their latest development is the VRD-MC5 DVD burner. This DVD burner, which is
not yet available to the public, is designed to be used with Sony's AVCHD
camcorders. The VRD-MC5 DVD burner will allow people to burn DVD's directly
from their digital camcorder without having to use a home computer.

Developments and lens technology that have been made in the binocular industry.
Sony mini-DVD camcorders and cameras either use similar technology as
binoculars, in some cases they even share it. One example of shared technology
would be in the DVD camcorders where Sony uses a lens that is manufactured by
the Zeiss Company. Sony's DCR-DVD108 Handycam Mini-DVD Camcorder, which cost
approximately $400.00, is a mini-camcorder that uses a Zeiss lens. Zeiss lenses
are considered some of the finest optical lenses in the world. The Zeiss Company
uses them in binoculars that are popular among outdoor enthusiast such as
birdwatchers and hunters.

With the increasing demand for binoculars that feature built in digital cameras
it should only be a matter of time before the Sony Corporation comes out with a
pair of hybrid binoculars.

The Sony Corporation has come along way since the days of the TR-72. The
company now employs over 158,500 people. They have an revenue of approximately
$63.980 billion. It's estimated that their operating income in 2006 was $14.578
billion and that their net income was as high as $1.042 billion.

What's So Great About Night Vision Binoculars?

Why would someone want night vision in a pair of binoculars? Well, privacy has
become a loosely defined word, especially in the world of famous people. If you
have a big name in Hollywood, sports, or any other area, you can bet someone out
there has bought a pair of night vision binoculars (namely the paparazzi) to
watch your every move, day or night for any tidbit of news or gossip to boost
their own ratings or popularity.

But night vision binoculars are important to those of us who have better things
to do than obsess over famous people. Like hunters, for instance. Yes, hunting
does have its benefits. It reduces overpopulated animals and provides food to
needy charities that rely on any help they can get to feed the starving and
underprivileged. Keeping the animal kingdom in balance is important and can be
a struggle for us humans because of our compassion on one end and our greed on
another. Like anything else, it can be taken too far and abused. But, hunters
do have their place in this world and need reliable binoculars to help serve
their purpose.

The binocular industry certainly isn't doing too badly with prices ranging as
high as $6000 for one particular pair of night vision binoculars. (You don't
even need a license for those, just a hefty bank account ---or a good line of
credit!). Because of the added necessary feature, night vision binoculars will
cost more than those for use in daylight only. But don't despair; there are
plenty of others that are more in the range of the average person, although
you'll want to get what you pay for. This particular type of binocular seems to
run in the general range of $500 on the low-cost end.

Don't get confused between night vision binoculars and night vision goggles.
Goggles are made with a head piece to strap onto your head. The night visions
are often created with infrared illuminators built into them, along with light
intensifier tubes.

The most popular and widely sold binoculars are of the Generation 1 rating.
This basically means they're made more so for the general public than for a
profession such as law enforcement or the military.

It is possible to find a pair for $344, which is fine for the property owner
who needs to scan his property for intruders of the human or wildlife variety.
They're good for camping trips as well as other things. The NZT-2 MBN
Binoculars have a 4x magnification, a recognition range of 100 m/y and should
satisfy basic binocular needs.

Whether you are buying a pair of binoculars for night or day use, you'll want
good image gain and resolution to have a clear picture of what you're trying to
see through the lens. Magnifying a blurry image doesn't really provide much
satisfaction to identify your subject! Green is the color of choice for night
vision illumination because our eyes can best adjust to that color to
differentiate. Night vision is designed exactly for what it's called, to see in
the dark. But a little light is still required to help this happen. It is easier
to get eye fatigue with night vision equipment that is used for long periods of
time, just as long periods of computer use can cause eye strain. One drawback
of night vision equipment is that it attracts dust particles and some say it is
normal to have some spots on your viewing lens that won't go away.

What to Look for in a Good Pair of Wholesale Binoculars

A good pair of binoculars can be expensive. One way to save money is by
purchasing them wholesale. One of the best places to look for a pair of
wholesale binoculars is on the Internet. On-line binocular dealers are more
then happy to help you with your binocular selection. They are happy to answer
any questions you might have from lens quality, to stabilization, to the
housing. On the average on-line binocular dealers are considerably cheaper then
the retail stores. In addition to their prices, which are already lower, they
are sometimes willing to haggle, especially if you are also planning on
purchasing some accessories to go with your new pair of binoculars.

It is possible to get a nice pair of binoculars for a couple of hundred
dollars, it is equally possible to fall in love with a pair of binoculars that
cost a couple of thousand dollars. Know your budget and stick to it. If you are
only going to spend a couple of hundred dollars don't even bother to look at the
higher priced binoculars. The lower priced binoculars are generally cheaper
because they have a lower field of vision and are made with cheaper lenses.
Some of the high end binoculars, like the ones manufactured by Zeiss, are so
well constructed that they come with a lifetime guarantee. The higher end
models also tend to use technology that improves stabilization and increases
view quality.

Pay attention to the binoculars numbers that are printed on the side of the
binoculars. The first number is the amount of zoom the binocular has. The
second number indicates the size of the lens. So a pair of binoculars that has
the number 7X30 stamped onto the casing is a binocular that will magnify and
object seven times its actual size, and has a lens size of 30mm. The lens size
does not indicate lens quality, however the larger the lens size the brighter
the view and the larger the field of vision.

Binoculars now come with all sorts of gadgets and gizmo's. Maritime binoculars
are now being crafted with state-of-the-art compasses, and lightweight water
proof casing. Binoculars that have built in digital cameras are becoming
increasingly popular. Hunting binoculars are now being designed with range
finders. Birdwatchers are thrilled with the increasing stabilization features
they are finding featured in the latest birdwatching binoculars.

Purchasing a pair of binoculars that have been designed with coated lenses will
help extend the life of your binoculars. Coated lens will improve the binoculars
contrast and image quality.

Make sure you ask the on-line store representative (another bonus to shopping
on-line for a pair of wholesale binoculars is that allot of the times the
person you are dealing with is the owner) if they have a trial period. A trial
period is a specified length of time that you have to try out the binoculars.
If, for whatever reason, you don't like the binoculars the store will let you
return them, and refund your money. Also find out if the store offers any type
of warranty.

Camcorder DV Mini Sony Binoculars

On January 5, 2005 in Las Vegas the Sony Corporation made an announcement. They
proudly announced the arrival of six brand new mini DV Handycam camcorders. At
the time of the announcement Sony stressed that these new mini-camcorders would
easy to use, stylish, and improve on performance and functionality.

Each of the six new handycam models comes complete with a special Handycam
Station. The Handycam Station lets the mini-camcorder owners plug their
camcorder directly into their television or personal computer. The Handycam
Station is a tabletop cradle. In addition to allowing the camcorder user to
connect their mini DV Handycam camcorders to their TVs and personal computers
the Handycam Station also recharges the camcorders batteries. The Handycam
Station's features include, an audio/video terminal that connect to the
computer and television, an S-video, i.link, and a USB port.

Sony designed the newest installment with people who love recording high
quality videos in mind. Sony accomplished this by carefully studying how people
use their camcorders. They then incorporated this information into the design of
the six min-camcorders. Sony claims that they want people to think of their
camcorder as an important part of their life, as important as a cell phone.

The six new mini DV Handycam camcorders were the DCR-PC1000, the DCR-PC55, the
DCR-HC90, the DCR-HC32, the DCR-HC42, and the DCR-HC21. The DCR-1000. The
prices of these binoculars range from $400.00 (the DCR-HC21) to $1300.00 (the
DCR-PC1000).

Each new mini DV Handycam camcorders come with a variety of features. The
DCR-HC21 has 20X Optical/800X digital zoom, and technology that improves image
stabilization. The DCR-HC32 comes complete with a Memory Stick DUO media slot.
The DCR-HC42 is capable of putting together a slide show, and has 2.7 inch LCD
screen that swivels. The DCR-PC55 is designed with a automatic lens cover. The
DCR-HC90 has a three megapixal CCD, it has a built in flash, and is designed to
accommodate Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T*lens. The most luxurious of the mini DV
Handycam camcorders, the DCR-PC1000 has a three-chip CMOS sensor.

The three-chip CMOS is sensor technology that is available in the DCR-OC900 and
the DCR-OC1000 is a enhanced imaging processor that provides the mini-camcorders
with state-of-the-art picture quality, and better lighting details. The
three-chip CMOS uses less power. CMOS is short for complimentary metal oxide
semi-conductor.

The Zeiss lenses that Sony uses have a long standing history as being premium
binocular lenses.

If you own a piece of electronics that was designed by Sony, check out their
website if it breaks. At the Sony Corporations website it is possible to order
replacement parts or accessory items for your Sony product. All you have to do
is fill out the repair form that can be found on the Sony Corporation's
website. There is even a spot to check the progress of a repair that a Sony
representative is already performing and a lace where Sony will provide you
with the estimated cost of a repair. If you feel that you are incapable of
installing the part correctly by yourself, the Sony website provides you with a
list of authorized dealers and representatives in your part of the world.

What Do You Know About Leupold MK4 Tactical Binoculars?

Leupold made the MK4 tactical binoculars specifically for high performance with
a rotating tactical milling reticle. You can buy these $359.99 binoculars
without a reticle, but why not take advantage of the extra feature that allows
ease of use. You can determine range by moving a part on the equipment instead
of tilting your instrument or your head!

It makes sense that because all people are created differently, their eye
spacing will be different as well. People who wear eye glasses will find the
MK4 to be user-friendly. The MK4 also protects against shock. And you can take
them into the field without worrying whether weather conditions will affect the
results of their performance.

At 1 1/2 pounds, they aren't the heaviest in their field. The price of $359.99
doesn't make them the most costly of their kind either. There are scopes more
expensive than $359.99! People spend more on their kids toys than this, so why
scrimp when it comes to your binoculars, which are far more likely to last than
the kids toys!

Leupold does have other binoculars more expensive or cheaper. But just because
an instrument does not specifically state that it's for tactical use doesn't
mean it can't be used for such. It only means a product that does state
"tactical use" is more suitable. Leupold does make binoculars that sell for
less than $100, which are also waterproof. But the reticle is of importance to
the tactical user as is range estimation.

The Leupold company is kind enough to recognize eye challenges that limit
vision abilities, so they recommend certain models to aid with such as this
(like having only one eye or having a non-tracking eye or even having
difficulties brought on by aging). Their binoculars are not meant to replace
magnifying glasses or prescription lenses by any means.

Because the general public has access to these binoculars, the $359.99 price
tag should discourage adults from sharing these Leupold binoculars with their
children. (Children are not developed well enough in eyesight to handle the
strain of longtime use. Just because they might be able to see through them and
hold them properly does not mean they are good for their vision.) The clarity is
impressive on this particular product and the case is a bonus for field work.
They are sold at higher prices, so as with most anything these days, it pays to
comparison shop before purchasing.

SWAT teams have found the Leupold MK4 Tactical binoculars helpful in extreme
situations, along with gear like armored cars and fiber optic cameras. They
need all the help they can get in as little bulk as possible to carry out their
jobs discreetly, quickly, safely, and professionally. They must rescue police
officers and civilians and important public figures from snipers, terrorists,
militant groups, and hardened and dangerous criminals.

It doesn't matter what your choice is, it must provide what you need most at a
cost that is affordable for you. Your personal preferences and differences must
be taken into account. Don't just take someone else's word for it that a pair of
binoculars would be perfect for you. Remember, people have individual standards
and requirements. This is a piece of equipment that can benefit you for a
lifetime, so choose wisely.

Binocular Uses

There are so many wonderful uses for binoculars it is hard to think of where to
start. Binoculars have been popular for over a hundred years for one reason,
people like to watch things in plain sight as if they can see it themselves.

One of the most popular uses for binoculars is using it at the beach. Imagine
staying in a high rise building, a hotel or condominium development, and using
your binoculars to zoom in on whatever catches your fancy. Many people enjoy
using their binoculars to try to spot whales or dolphins from the shore. Others
like to use their binoculars to find the best fish floating about, or the mighty
seagulls dipping down for a late afternoon snack.

Yet another popular use for binoculars is at the ballpark. Baseball is often
better enjoyed from the stands with a pair of fancy binoculars by your side.
There are so many things a binocular lover can check out at the baseball game
that would be otherwise impossible to see.

Everything from football to hockey fans enjoy using binoculars as well.
Binoculars come in especially handy when one is sitting high above the field of
play and has no other direct way of seeing the competition on the field. With a
pair of high powered binoculars one can sit and watch the action as if they
were standing on the field, just be careful as you might think a player is
going to come right into your seat and knock you out of it.

Binoculars range in prices and sizes, but on average weigh less than 2 pounds,
and cost less than fifty dollars in price. Some binoculars will allow for night
vision, while others are for those wishing to catch a day game or event.
Binoculars are popular among all ages around the world.

Binoculars can also be used at formal events such as a wedding. For those with
less than perfect eye sight binoculars provide a direct view of things
otherwise impossible to see. Binoculars are often a favorite wedding favor to
provide guests upon their arrival at a wedding event. Guests appreciate the
extra help seeing their friend or family member on what might be the most
important day of their life.

What makes binoculars stand out among other recreational items is their unique
appeal to anyone with an eye for curiosity. There are people that will
literally stand around with a pair of binoculars in the middle of the day just
playing with them, enjoying all they have to offer, and watching out for a
special sight. This might sound odd to some, but to binocular lovers this is a
great way to relax and have fun, many people enjoy binoculars, and there is
nothing wrong with making a habit out of binocular watching.

In closing, if you have ever wondered what life is like with binoculars it is
highly recommended that you give it a try. There are plenty of reasons why it
makes sense to use them, and very few not, so think about it and pick up a pair
today.

Digital Binoculars-Binoculars With a Digital Camera Installed

For years birdwatchers have enjoyed studying bird in their natural environment
courtesy of a pair of binoculars. While bird watchers appreciated the
convenience of the binoculars, they were frustrated by the fact that they were
unable to take photographs of their subjects. Some birdwatchers got around
stopped using their binoculars and switched to studying birds through long
range zoom cameras. While this was great for birdwatchers, what about people
who were drawn to the see, whale watchers often worried about taking their
expensive digital cameras on board ships because they were afraid of what the
water and salt would do to the camera's delicate mechanisms.

Technology has changed and it is now possible for birdwatchers and whale
watchers alike to enjoy a pair of binoculars and take great pictures at the
same time. How? Camera and binocular manufactures have discovered how to
combine the long range durability of binoculars with the convenience of digital
cameras. The end result is a Digital Binocular.

The definition of a digital binocular is a pair of binoculars that has been
combined with a small (and normally basic) point and shoot digital camera.
If you are considering purchasing a pair of digital binoculars there are a few
things you need to know. The binoculars magnification is what determines the
camera's magnification. For example if the binocular is a 10X30 the binoculars
magnification is ten (the first number on a pair of binoculars is always the
magnification, the second number is the the size of the binoculars front lens).
The average pair of digital binoculars has a magnification of eight.

The next thing you should look at when considering purchasing a pair of digital
binoculars is the megapixals (MP). The more megapixals the camera has the
clearer the picture quality will be. For the average photographer the number of
megapixels won't make a difference a 4X6 photo, but when the picture is enlarged
or cropped the image will start to look a little blurry.

Consider the digital binoculars image storage. Your options are normally a
memory card or a compact flash. Lower price digital binoculars might not have a
method for image storage and you will be forced to store a limited amount of
pictures on the internal memory.

You are probably going to want to purchase a pair of digital binoculars that
have an LCD screen. The LCD screen will make it easier to frame your photos
when you are taking them. After you are done snapping pictures the LCD screen
will make it easy to decide which ones to delete. Most people who have
purchased a pair of digital binoculars say that the ones that come with a flip
LCD screen are easier to use. Digital binoculars that have a flat LCD screed
are cheaper.

When you are taking a picture with a pair of digital binoculars bear in mind
that what the camera sees is not always exactly what you are seeing. You will
have to use digital editing software and your memory to recreate the exact
image.

Don't expect a pair of digital binoculars to take the place of your personal
camera. At the moment quality of the camera's used with digital binoculars is
not as good as the standard household camera, this should start to improve as
the market becomes more competitive. One of the easiest ways to improve the
quality of photo taken with a pair of digital binoculars is to purchase a
tripod, the tripod will help steady the camera, eliminating shaking.

Binocular Review

There are several things to remember when you are getting ready to purchase a
pair of binoculars.

The numbers that are written after the binoculars name are very important. The
first number is the amount of magnification the binocular has. The second
number is the size of the optical lens. A binocular with the numbers 8X40 has a
magnification of eight times and a lens size of 40mm. Although you can see
objects that are farther away, binocular that have a magnification greater then
ten start to loose image quality.

Binoculars that have lens that have a dark coating tend to withstand the test
of time better then binoculars with un-coated lenses.

The advantage of purchasing a pair of binoculars from and Internet dealer is
that they are typically cheaper then purchasing them from a retail store. On
the other hand, purchasing them from a retail store gives you the opportunity
to test your compatibility with the binoculars.

Spending a little extra money on a pair of water proof binoculars will pay off
in the long run.

There are two types of binocular collectors, those that collect the plain and
bulky field glasses and the collectors who are attracted to the compact and
glittery opera glasses. Collectors will find lots of opportunities to expand
their collection on EBay.

Each day, there are gadgets and gizmo's added to binoculars.

When you aren't using your binoculars you can prolong the life of your
binoculars by storing them in a safe place, out of reach from small children
and family pets.

Binoculars manufactured by the Zeiss company come with a lifetime, transferable
warranty.

When your binoculars are not in their case, they should be attached to a neck
strap that is hung securely around your neck. Keeping your binoculars around
your neck will help prevent you from accidentally dropping them. If you
accidentally drop your binoculars in saltwater, immediately rinse them with
fresh water. Place them in a plastic baggie, seal the baggie, immediately bring
the binoculars to a binocular repair shop. Saltwater is extremely detrimental to
binoculars.

Do not expect a pair of digital binoculars to replace your personal digital
camera, at the moment the camera quality on digital binoculars is not quite as
good as it could be.

Thoroughly cleaning your binoculars will extend their life expectancy.

Some of Sony's mini DV Handycam camcorders are made with Zeiss lenses.

Never keep your binoculars on your car seat. Keep them in your glove
compartment while you are traveling, this will protect them from getting sat
on, crashing against the dashboard, and from having beverages spilled on them.

When you are looking at a pair of antique binoculars make sure that the lenses
are clear. The lenses and leather coverings are difficult and expensive and to
repair and replace.

There are several types of binoculars available for everyone; bird watchers,
sportsmen, and marine enthusiast.

Helpful Binocular Information

Obviously if you'll be bird watching, bunny watching, or deer watching for fun,
your covered carport or the inside of your car will keep your binoculars needs
to a minimum. You'll have protection from the weather, so waterproofing won't
be quite as much of an issue as it would be for someone who must use their
binoculars in moisture filled occasions on a regular basis. You'll be able to
focus on other aspects of the decision making process.

Hunters, on the other hand, have been known to forego weather warnings or get
caught in the unexpected rainstorm, or maybe even come across a pond while
chasing after the buck that runs off after being shot. Waterproofing and weight
would definitely be an important and well-received feature for this area of
consumer needs. Night vision might also be a consideration because of the hours
hunters must keep to wait for their prey. Getting in the stands before the
animals start looking for their breakfast is a must for the dedicated hunter.
But hunting isn't just about the prey; it's also about enjoying what the
outdoors has to offer besides the prey. The view, the scenery, the other
animals that provide enjoyment while waiting, all show good reasons for a
trusty pair of binoculars.

Binoculars are almost always carried in toy stores, but judging the quantity of
all varieties on the toy store variety isn't fair to the many manufacturers who
spend so much time and money perfecting the products. Although it is cute to
hear your toddler first say the word binocular.

Photographers, hunters, police teams, the military, snipers, bird watchers,
animal enthusiasts, boaters, opera lovers, and sports enthusiasts all have to
choose which pair is best for them. They're classified as a pair because
they're basically two telescopes that are created to work together; so you
aren't likely to hear someone say "What type of binocular do you own?" The word
binocular will normally be used in a plural sense.

Your main limit to buying a good, reliable, quality pair of binoculars is how
much you can or can't spend. If you invest several hundred dollars, you'll want
a good repair service and a good warranty you can count on.

The binocular market offers high powered versions, digital camera versions,
versions for different types of sports and theater events, night vision
versions, and of course, toy versions. If Dad or Mom has their binoculars, it
stands to reason that their little bundle of joy will want to try a pair of
their own. It's just too irresistible to hear Mom ooo and ahhh over the birdies
and then miss out on a chance to see for themselves!

Night vision binoculars are a must for anyone in a profession that requires
secret night work. How far away will you need to clearly focus? What generation
of binocular do you require? The first generation is for the general public, the
next step up allows you to see further, and so on. Government security would
require a higher generation than someone who just wants to study animals for
entertainment.

How to Find a Pair of Antique Verres Binoculars on Ebay

Although they are available at antique stores and some binocular shops,
consumers have had a great deal of success purchasing Verres antique binoculars
on Ebay. This is wonderful news for people who are already accustomed to
purchasing items on Ebay. For consumers who have never done so it can be a
daunting proposition.

One reason consumers, especially antique collectors get discouraged when trying
to find an item on Ebay is because when they type in a search request they don't
get any hits. If this happens frequently, antique binocular collectors need to
take a deep breath and consider the possibility of seller mistakes. Collectors
should try doing a search using alternate spellings. For example, try spelling
Verres with one R or try dropping the S.

If changing the the spelling doesn't attract any hits try to think of an
alternate description. If you are looking for a pair of antique binoculars made
by Verres, try typing in Verres opera glasses, or even Verres apparel, or Verres
accoutrement's. If your lucky, these seller error could even work in your favor.
Other collectors might not consider the seller errors; the fewer people who view
the item, the fewer people that are bidding on the item which should lower the
price of the final bid.

Some antique binocular collectors might become discourage from the sheer volume
of antique binoculars available on Ebay. The prospect of wading through all
those hits just to find the pair of binoculars they are looking for is just too
much and the give up. If you are looking for a pair of antique binoculars try
narrowing down your search. Instead of antique binoculars try typing antique
binoculars Verres, or Verres opera glasses, or even antique theater glasses
Verres. If you are looking for a pair of Verres that are made with a special
type of design, or a pair that is from a specific year, include that
information in your search.

Collectors who are not familiar with Ebay are often stunned when they win an
auction only to find that the amount the seller is charging is considerably
higher then the amount they bid. The extra money is the shipping charge. The
shipping charge is the amount of money that the seller estimated the item would
cost them to ship. The shipping charge should be listed as part of the item's
description. If the shipping cost is not clearly stated, e-mail the seller and
ask them what they will charge to ship the item to your home town. Make sure
you consider the cost of shipping when you are deciding how much you are
willing to spend.

If you find an item you like, and have pleasant dealings with the seller,
bookmark the seller. By bookmarking the seller you will be able to take
advantage of any items they might be selling that have a buy it now price. Make
sure you go to the feedback section and leave a record about how wonderful you
think the seller is.

Before purchasing your Verres antique binoculars, ask the seller if they are in
good working condition. Also ask if the seller would be willing to guarantee the
condition of the binoculars.

Leupold, Factory New, MK4 Tactical Binoculars

Leupold makes binoculars, scopes, wrenches, bases and rings for scope mounts.
Lives depend on their products, which are rugged, accurate, waterproof, and
provide optical excellence. The unique feature in their MK4 $359.99 pair of
binoculars is the rotating reticle. It allows for proper estimation of range on
targets that aren't perfectly level.

A reticle is like the crosshairs on a scope. It's a shape that is superimposed
on an image to align your binoculars. The most common reticle is a red dot,
although there are several types of reticles which include: holographic,
collimated, illuminated, etched, and wire. Good collimated binoculars are
aligned from the factory with laser precision, so they'll be more expensive
than binoculars that aren't collimated. It refers to the optical and mechanical
alignment of your equipment.

Binoculars have a very wide price range, changing from one brand to another,
one store to another-even on the very same pair of binoculars, and the added
features or quality.

Tactical gear can include everything from rifles, compression wear, scopes,
gloves, knives, pistol pouches, harnesses, and canteens. The tactical
binoculars are just one more item that must be top quality for an extreme
mission. This said, the public still has access to the Factory New, Leupold MK4
Tactical Binoculars. The fact that the public has access does not diminish these
binoculars in importance or quality. Since they are not considered a weapon, it
is easier to see why they would not require a license for public use. So, even
if you don't require a special license or certificate or profession that uses
these tactical binoculars, you can still have access as long as you can afford
them. It may be possible to buy them cheaper then $359.99 if you shopped
around. You could possibly find a pair at an online auction or a used military
supply store. Maybe you just want a pair so you can have bragging rights to
owning something that can be used by the military. Some people just like to
have such as this in their collection, and devoted collectors wouldn't blink an
eye at the $359.99 price tag!

However, the Leupold military binoculars should be factory new for the best
assurance of condition and warranty. Binoculars that are sold used might be out
of collimation, which can be hard on your eyes. The can lose collimation simply
by being dropped accidentally. It is possible to have them adjusted by a
service professional.

The features of the Leupold MK4 Tactical Binoculars that you are sure to get
with a factory new pair are:

1. 60-70mm adjustment range 
2. phase-coated prisms 
3. nitrogen purged for assurance of waterproofing and resistance to moisture 
4. water and fog proof 
5. rotating reticle 
6. twist-up eyecups 
7. light weight (25.7 oz) 
8. shock absorbing armor

The Leupold Katmai series is similar in looks to the MK4 tacticals, but their
prices vary from $290 to $380. Other Leupold binoculars near the $359.99 price
range are the Wind River Series. The Golden Ring Series is a more expensive
option, being closer to the $1000 range.

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